Apple Malus domestica 'Sweet Society' (D)
ABOUT
Malus domestica 'Sweet Society'—known commonly as the apple tree—is characterized by its appealing aesthetic with branches that bear an abundance of fruit. The apples developed by this cultivar are typically notable for their sweetness, as suggested by the name 'Sweet Society.' These apples generally present with a smooth, shiny skin that can range in color, often displaying shades of red, green, or yellow, sometimes with blushes of mixed tones. This particular variety may produce apples that are uniform in color or have a patterned appearance with stripes or speckles. The leaves of the apple tree are simple, typically oval in shape, and have a toothed margin. They offer a vibrant green hue which can change to golden, orange, or red shades during the autumn months, providing a colorful display. The foliage is alternately arranged on the twigs, creating a pleasant and dense canopy. During the blooming period, the apple tree is adorned with flowers that can be white, pink, or a blend of both. These blossoms are usually arranged in clusters, and they not only add to the ornamental value of the tree but are also vital for pollination and subsequent fruit development. The bark of the apple tree is generally gray and can vary in texture, sometimes appearing smooth in younger trees and becoming more rough and scaly with age. The trunk supports a network of branches that spread outward, providing structure for the foliage and fruits. As an attractant to various pollinators, the flowers of the apple tree exude a fragrant aroma during their bloom period, contributing to the sensory appeal of the plant. Following successful pollination, the fruits begin to develop and mature, resulting in a bounty of sweet apples that are enjoyed by people and wildlife alike. The seasonal changes in appearance—from the spring blossoms to the laden branches of autumn—make the apple tree a dynamic addition to any space where it is grown, offering visual interest throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Sweet Society Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Sweet Society'.
ToxicityTo humans
Malus domestica 'Sweet Society', commonly known as the apple tree, is generally not toxic to humans. The fruit, apples, are widely consumed and are safe to eat. However, the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting large quantities of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure and even death. It is important to note that occasional accidental ingestion of a few apple seeds is typically not harmful due to the low concentration of amygdalin and the body’s ability to detoxify small amounts of cyanide. The stems and leaves also contain trace amounts of toxins and are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Malus domestica 'Sweet Society', commonly referred to as the apple tree, is not generally considered toxic to pets when it comes to the fruit flesh; however, like in humans, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, which is a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Consumption of a large amount of apple seeds could lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets, which may include panting, shock, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, collapse. It is also important to note that the core and stem of the apple can pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Pets should not be allowed to chew on the stems, leaves, or seeds of apple trees. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of apple seeds or parts of the tree other than the fruit flesh, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Fresh Fruit Supply: Provides a direct source of fresh apples that can be enjoyed right from the tree.
- Home Gardening: Ideal for home gardens, adding beauty and landscape interest.
- Educational Opportunity: Offers educational opportunities for children and adults to learn about growing fruit and tree care.
- Wildlife Habitat: Can provide habitat and food for birds and other wildlife.
- Shade and Cooling: The tree's foliage offers shade, which can help in cooling surrounding areas and reducing energy costs.
- Carbon Sequestration: As it grows, the apple tree captures carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The tree's blossoms in spring and fruit in autumn enhance the visual appeal of any landscape.
- Pollination Support: Blooming flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Soil Health: Roots help stabilize soil, preventing erosion and improving soil structure over time.
- Community Engagement: Can be a catalyst for community involvement through planting and harvest events.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wood Crafting - The wood of the apple tree can be used for crafting small wooden items such as bowls, spoons, and decorative objects due to its density and workability.
- Natural Dyes - Apple leaves and bark can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles in varying shades of brown and yellow.
- Floral Arrangements - Branches of the apple tree, particularly when in bloom, can be incorporated into floral arrangements for their aesthetic flowers and fragrance.
- Educational Tools - The growth cycle of the apple tree can be used for educational purposes to teach children and students about plant biology and the seasons.
- Photography - Apple orchards, including the Sweet Society variety, can serve as picturesque locations for professional photography, including weddings and portraits.
- Animal Habitat - The tree can provide shelter and a habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and squirrels.
- Insect Attraction - Apple blossoms can attract beneficial pollinators like bees to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Musical Instruments - Small pieces of apple wood can be carved into parts for musical instruments like woodwind mouthpieces or recorders.
- Traditional Games - Apple wood can be used to create pieces for traditional board games, such as chess or checkers, due to its fine grain and attractive appearance.
- Firewood - While not an unusual use, apple wood can be used as firewood; it burns slowly and emits a pleasant aroma.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and affection: As a variety of apple, the Malus domestica 'Sweet Society' represents love and affection in many cultures due to the apple’s historical association with goddesses of love like Aphrodite, and the fruit often symbolizes beauty and desire.
- Knowledge and wisdom: Apples are frequently connected with knowledge and wisdom, harking back to the story of Adam and Eve in the Judeo-Christian tradition, where the apple represented the fruit of knowledge.
- Health and vitality: The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" reflects the apple's association with health and vitality, which may also apply to the 'Sweet Society' apple.
- Abundance and fertility: Apple trees are prolific fruit bearers, which is why they often symbolize fertility and abundance in various traditions.
- Eternal life: In Norse and Greek mythology, apples are considered to bestow immortality or eternal youth, making them a symbol of eternal life.
WaterApple trees, including Sweet Society, should be watered deeply rather than frequently to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, watering once a week with about 5 gallons of water per tree is recommended if there's no significant rainfall. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering — about twice a week — to establish roots. Reduce watering in the fall before the first frost to help the tree harden off for winter. The soil should be moist to a depth of 6 inches, so adjust the amount of water depending on the soil's moisture level and rainfall.
LightApple trees, like Sweet Society, thrive best in full sunlight where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. They should be planted in a location free from shadows cast by buildings or other trees. The more sunlight the tree can absorb, the better it will grow and produce fruit.
TemperatureThe Sweet Society apple tree prefers a temperate climate with cold winters and moderate summers. It generally can survive winter temperatures as low as -40°F and summer temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and fruiting.
PruningApple trees such as the Sweet Society variety require pruning to promote sunlight exposure and air circulation, which are crucial for fruit quality and tree health. Prune in the late winter while the tree is dormant, removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and shaping the tree for a strong structure. Annual pruning helps to increase fruit yield and size.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe apple tree 'Sweet Society' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. For the best soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part sand, and one part aged compost or manure to promote fertility and drainage. The ideal pH range for this apple tree is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingApple trees, like the 'Sweet Society,' do not need frequent repotting and are typically planted outdoors. If grown in a container, they should be repotted every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe 'Sweet Society' apple tree prefers a moderate humidity level, typical of outdoor environments. It does not necessitate specific humidity controls beyond the natural outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and large container for indoor apple trees.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide good soil, water deeply but infrequently.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus domestica 'Sweet Society', commonly known as the apple tree 'Sweet Society', begins life as a seed, typically enclosed within the fruit produced by a parent tree. Upon germination, this seed grows into a seedling, requiring sunlight, water, and soil nutrients to develop. The seedling progresses into a juvenile tree and eventually matures, a process that can take several years. Mature apple trees bloom in the spring, their flowers providing the necessary reproductive structures for pollination, often with the help of insects like bees. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruits, which are the apples, during the summer and into the fall. The tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter, which is a rest phase, in preparation for the next cycle of flowering and fruiting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the apple tree Malus domestica 'Sweet Society' is through grafting, which is typically performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. In grafting, a piece of stem from a 'Sweet Society' apple tree with at least one bud (known as a scion) is joined to a rootstock, which is a plant base that provides the root system. The scion is cut at an oblique angle and matched to a similarly cut surface on the rootstock. The two pieces are then bound tightly together, often with grafting tape or wax, to ensure they do not move and to promote healing. This union allows the scion to grow and benefit from the established root system of the rootstock, resulting in a new apple tree that will produce 'Sweet Society' apples.
